First I think that we should know what is happening in our body during stress. Well, during the stress, several biochemical reactions occur in the body (neurotransmitters are activated, hormones are released, and nutrients are metabolized). Some body systems like the cardiovascular system accelerate their functions and others like the gastrointestinal system, slow down their operations. That happened because the body is being prepared to expend physical energy (respond physically) which in prehistoric times was necessary for survival but in modern times is unnecessary in most cases (most human stress is psycho-social in nature). Unfortunately the byproducts of the stress response continue to circulate in the body and have the potential to create physical illness (e.g., cortisol secretion's impact on the immune system), and here is where regular exercise is useful to our body, because remove the byproducts of the stress response by providing the opportunity to stimulate the acceleration or slowing down of some body systems. In other words, regular exercise allows the body to return to homeostasis faster and reduce the physical impact of psycho-social stress.

In addition, exercise helps to boost the production of endorphins (brain's feel-good neurotransmitters) into your blood stream.These give you a feeling of happiness, affecting positively your overall sense of well-being.

Another benefit of regular exercise is that it can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety, improving your mood with energy and optimism, helping you remains calm and clear in everything that you do.

How to get started in a fitness program?

There are a few simple steps that I recommend to follow before you begin a fitness program:

Consult with your doctor, especially if you have a history of heart disease or other risk factors

Contact a Personal Trainer. A personal trainer will help you set your goals and reach them also, in a secure way. There are literally hundreds of pieces of exercise equipment, along with thousands of individual exercises. This can be overwhelming for someone new to the fitness world. A personal trainer can teach you how to properly use the equipment and perform all of these exercises. Avoid feeling unsure about exercising, or worse, hurting you. Allow a personal trainer to teach you the proper technique. Remember, it’s not how many repetitions you can do, its how many you can do right!

Pick a time and stick to it. Although your schedule may necessitate morning workouts some days and evening activities the next, figure out some time to move every day helps you make your exercise program an ongoing priority.

Remember, if you want enjoy a healthy life you have to take care of your body and your mind, and exercise will help you with both. Contact me and I will show you how.